Adjustable collapsible panels

ABSTRACT

Collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A connector is provided that couples the first and second panels in a manner that allows the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted.

RELATED CASES

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 09/152,755,entitled “Adjustable Collapsible Panels”, filed Sep. 14, 1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and inparticular, to collapsible structures having panels whose position withrespect to adjacent panels can be adjusted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] Collapsible objects have recently become popular with both adultsand children. Examples of such collapsible objects are shown anddescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385(Zheng) in the form of collapsible structures. These structures have aplurality of panels which may be twisted and folded to reduce theoverall size of the structures to facilitate convenient storage and use.As such, these structures are being enjoyed by many people in manydifferent applications.

[0004] For example, these structures have been provided in manydifferent shapes and sizes for children's play inside and outside thehouse. Smaller versions of these structures have been used as infantnurseries. Even smaller versions of these structures have been used asdollhouses and action figure play houses by toddlers and children.

[0005] As another example, these structures have been made into tents oroutdoor structures that can be used by adults and children for campingor other outdoor purposes. These structures have also been popular asbeach cabanas.

[0006] Even animals can enjoy these structures. Some of these structureshave been made into shelters that can be used by pets, both inside andoutside the house.

[0007] The wide-ranging uses for these collapsible structures can beattributed to the performance, convenience and variety that thesestructures provide. When fully expanded, these structures are stable andcan be used as a true shelter without the fear of collapse. Thesestructures are easily twisted and folded into a compact configuration toallow the user to conveniently store the structure. The light-weightnature of the materials used to make these structures makes itconvenient for them to be moved from one location to another. Thesestructures also provide much variety in use and enjoyment. For example,a child can use a structure both indoors and outdoors for different playpurposes, and can use the same structure for camping.

[0008] Another example of a collapsible structure include collapsiblesunshields, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,784 (Zheng).These sunshields have two interconnecting panels that span the width ofthe windscreen.

[0009] All of the above-mentioned collapsible structures have two ormore panels, each of which is hingedly or otherwise coupled to one ormore adjacent panels. While these collapsible structures enjoy thenumerous benefits described above, their size and configuration aregenerally fixed and cannot be adjusted. For example, the collapsiblestructure shown in FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385 has a top fabricthat is attached to the four panels, and which cannot be removed withoutcutting or otherwise destroying the top fabric. As another example, thesunshield shown in FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,784 has a predeterminedwidth, with the interconnecting fabric providing a small amount of slackto adjust the width of the sunshield. However, the width cannot be madelonger or shorter to adapt the sunshield to be fitted againstwindscreens of varying sizes.

[0010] Thus, there still remains a need to provide collapsible objectsand structures having multiple panels, where the positions of thesepanels can be adjusted with respect to each other, to increase thevariety of play and the useful applications of these objects andstructures.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsiblestructure or object having at least two panels whose positions withrespect to each other can be adjusted.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide acollapsible sunshield or divider, having at least two panels, whoseoverall width or length can be adjusted.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide acollapsible structure having at least two panels, where the position ofone of the panels can be adjusted with respect to the other panels toprovide increased variety in use.

[0014] In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, inone embodiment, the collapsible structures according to the presentinvention have at least first and second panels, each panel having afoldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, anda material covering portions of the frame member when the frame memberis in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfoldedorientation of its associated frame member. The first panel has a firstretaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the secondpanel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received insidethe adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple thesecond panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism ismovable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions ofthe first and second panels to be adjusted.

[0015] In another embodiment according to the present invention, thecollapsible structures according to the present invention have at leastfirst and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member thathas a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material coveringportions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfoldedorientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of itsassociated frame member. A connector is provided that couples the firstand second panels in a manner that allows the relative positions of thefirst and second panels to be adjusted.

[0016] The collapsible structures according to the present invention areconvenient for use since they can be easily and quickly folded andcollapsed into a smaller size for transportation and storage. Moreimportantly, the panels allow relative positions of the panels to beadjusted to change the size and configuration of the object orstructure. This increases the number of applications in which thecollapsible objects and structures can be used, and adds to the fun andvariety of these objects and structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible object according toone embodiment of the present invention shown in use in its expandedconfiguration;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the objectof FIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a sleeve;

[0019]FIGS. 3A and 3B are top plan views of the object of FIG. 1 shownin use in different positions;

[0020]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the object of FIG. 1illustrating a modification made thereto;

[0021]FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate how the object of FIG. 1 may betwisted and folded for compact storage;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto another embodiment of the present invention adopting the principlesof the object of FIG. 1 and shown in use in its expanded configuration;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the object of FIG. 6 illustratingmodifications made thereto;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the object of FIG. 7 illustratingmodifications made thereto;

[0025]FIGS. 9A and 9B provide perspective views of a collapsible objectaccording to a further embodiment of the present invention shown in usein its expanded configuration;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the object of FIG. 1 illustratinganother modification made thereto; and

[0027]FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of a collapsible objectaccording to yet a further embodiment of the present invention shown inuse in its expanded configuration;

[0028]FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the object of FIG. 11A shownassembled together;

[0029]FIG. 12A is an exploded perspective view of the object of FIGS.11A and 11B illustrating modifications made thereto;

[0030]FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the object of FIG. 12A shownassembled together;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a collapsible object according toyet a further embodiment of the present invention shown in use in itsexpanded configuration;

[0032]FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a collapsible object accordingto yet a further embodiment of the present invention shown in use in itsexpanded configuration;

[0033]FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the section 14-14 of theobject of FIG. 14A illustrating portions of two panels retained within asleeve;

[0034]FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a collapsible object accordingto yet a further embodiment of the present invention shown in use in itsexpanded configuration;

[0035]FIGS. 15B and 15C are perspective views of key rings that can beused with the object of FIG. 15A;

[0036]FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of a collapsible objectaccording to yet a further embodiment of the present invention shown inuse in its expanded configuration;

[0037]FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the object of FIG. 16A shownassembled together;

[0038]FIGS. 16C and 16D are perspective views of the object of FIGS. 16Aand 16B illustrating modifications made thereto;

[0039]FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a collapsible object accordingto yet a further embodiment of the present invention shown in use in itsexpanded configuration;

[0040]FIGS. 17B and 17C are perspective views of the object of FIG. 17Aillustrating modifications made thereto;

[0041]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a collapsible object according toyet a further embodiment of the present invention shown in use in itsexpanded configuration; and

[0042]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the object of FIG. 17Cillustrating modifications made thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The following detailed description is of the best presentlycontemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purposeof illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. Thescope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0044] The present invention provides collapsible objects and structureshaving at least two panels whose positions with respect to each othercan be adjusted. The principles of the present invention can be appliedto collapsible objects and structures such as, but not limited to,sunshields, dividers, partitions, play structures, shelters, tents,cabanas, displays, cabinets, or the like.

[0045]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a collapsible object 20 that embodies theunderlying principles of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, theobject 20 has two separate panels 22 and 24 that are coupled together bythe adjustable attachment mechanisms (described below) of the presentinvention. The panels 22 and 24 can assume any configuration, such ascircular, oval, rectangular (as shown), square, trapezoidal, orirregular. The panel 22 has four side edges, a left side edge 26 a, abottom side edge 26 b, a right side edge 26 c, and a top side edge 26 d.Referring also to FIG. 2, the panel 22 has a continuous frame retainingsleeve 30 provided along and traversing the four edges of its foursides. A continuous frame member 32 is retained or held within the frameretaining sleeve 30 to support panel 22. The panel 24 can have the samestructure as panel 22.

[0046] The continuous frame member 32 of each panel 22, 24 may beprovided as one continuous loop, or may be a strip of material connectedat both ends to form a continuous loop. The frame members 32 arepreferably formed of flexible coilable steel, although other materialssuch as plastics may also be used. The frame members 32 should be madeof a material which is relatively strong and yet is flexible to asufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. Thus, each frame member 32is capable of assuming two positions, an open or expanded position suchas shown in FIG. 1, or a folded position in which the frame member iscollapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open position (seeFIG. 5D).

[0047] The frame members 32 may be merely retained within the respectiveframe retaining sleeve 30 without being connected thereto.Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 30 may be mechanicallyfastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the respective frame members 32to retain them in position.

[0048] Fabric or sheet material 34 extends across each panel 22, 24, andis held taut by the respective frame members 32 when each panel is inits open position. The term fabric is to be given its broadest meaningand should be made from strong, lightweight materials and may includewoven fabrics, sheet fabrics or even films. The type of fabric used willdepend on the intended application. For example, a stronger and moredurable fabric will be used if the structure is intended for use as adivider, or when used for the collapsible structures described inconnection with FIGS. 6-8 and 16D-19 below. Alternatively, when theobject 20 is used as a sunshield, the fabric can be a sheet materialhaving a reflective surface on one side to reflect heat and sunlight.The fabric should be water-resistant and durable to withstand the wearand tear associated with rugged outdoor use or rough treatment bychildren and adults. The fabric can extend across selected portions of,or the entire area, of the panels 22, 24.

[0049] As illustrated best in FIG. 2, the frame retaining sleeve 30 maybe attached to the fabric material 34 along the side edges 26 a-26 d ofthe panels 22, 24. Specifically, the fabric material 34 can be attachedto the frame retaining sleeve 30 by applying a stitching 38 that extendsalong the side edges 26 a-26 d. The stitching 38 can also operate toenclose the frame retaining sleeve 30. Alternatively, the frameretaining sleeve 30 can be a part of or an extension of the fabricmaterial 34, where the side edge of the fabric material 34 is wrappedaround the frame member 32 to enclose the frame member 32, and then thestitching 38 applied to enclose the sleeve 30.

[0050] The panels 22, 24 are provided with interacting (i.e.,inter-engaging) and corresponding adjustable attachment mechanisms thatfunction both to couple or attach the panels 22, 24 to each other, andto allow relative positions of the panels 22, 24 to be adjusted tochange the size and configuration of the object 20. Specifically, thepanel 22 has one or more elongated straps 44, each having opposite ends46 and 48 (see FIG. 4) that are stitched, sewn or otherwise attached tothe fabric material 34 of the panel 22. The other panel 24 has one ormore corresponding loops 50 that are sewn or otherwise attached to thefabric material 34 of the panel 24. Each loop 50 is held inside thespace (also referred to as “adjustment space”) between its correspondingstrap 44 and the fabric material 34 of the panel 22, and is adapted toslide along the length of the strap 44 between the opposite ends 46 and48 along the adjustment space between the strap 44 and the fabricmaterial 34, as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 1. Even though two sets ofstraps 44 and loops 50 are used in the object 20, any number ofcorresponding straps 44 and loops 50 can be provided, and even one setmay be sufficient depending upon the intended application. Each loop 50can be held in its respective adjustment space by stitching one end ofstrap 44 (e.g., 46) to the fabric 34 and then inserting the other end 48through the loop 50 and stitching the other end 48 to the fabric 34.

[0051] The straps 44 can be attached anywhere on the fabric material 34of the panel 22, but the corresponding loops 50 should be attached tolocations on the fabric material 34 of the panel 24 adjacent one of thefour side edges 26 a-26 d to allow the panels 22, 24 to be hinged andconnected. For example, in FIG. 1, the straps 44 are shown as beingattached adjacent the right side edge 26 c of the panel 22 (and spacedapart between the top and bottom side edges 26 d and 26 b,respectively), and the loops 50 are shown as being attached adjacent theleft side edge 26 a of the panel 24 so that the panels 22, 24 arecoupled adjacent these side edges 26 c and 26 a, respectively.

[0052]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate how the adjustable attachmentmechanisms allow the respective positions of the panels 22, 24, and thewidth of the object 20, to be adjusted. In FIG. 3A, the panels 22, 24are shown in their expanded positions and extended at the largest widthof the object 20 with the right side edge 26 c of the panel 22 and theleft side edge 26 a of the panel 24 adjacent each other and notoverlapping with each other. When in this position, the loops 50 ofpanel 24 are adjacent the outermost end 48 of the straps 44 of panel 22.In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 and in phantom in FIG. 3A, the panel 24may be folded or pivoted about the hinge (see arrow A3) defined by theadjustable attachment mechanisms (i.e., loops 50 and straps 44) to beplaced on top of the panel 22 to form a stack of two panels 22, 24.

[0053]FIG. 3A also shows that the panels 22 and 24 can be slid withrespect to each other (see arrow A2) to vary the width of the object 20.This sliding can be accomplished in many ways. For example, the panels22, 24 can be slid with respect to each other when both panels 22, 24are generally parallel to each other (see solid lines in FIG. 3A). Orone panel 24 can be raised at an angle with respect to the other panel22 (see FIG. 1 and phantom in FIG. 3A) and then the panels 22, 24 slidwith respect to each other. Or both panels 22, 24 can be simultaneouslyslid with respect to each other, or one panel 24 can be slid while theother panel 22 remains stationary.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 3B, the panels 22, 24 are now shown intheir expanded positions and extended at the smallest width of theobject 20. In this position, the right side edge 26 c of the panel 22and the left side edge 26 a of the panel 24 are offset from each otherand the fabric material 34 of the panels 22, 24 adjacent the side edges26 c, 26 a, respectively, overlap each other. When in this position, theloops 50 of panel 24 are adjacent the innermost end 46 of the straps 44of panel 22. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 and in phantom in FIG. 3B,the panel 24 may still be folded or pivoted about the hinge (see arrowA3) defined by the adjustable attachment mechanisms (i.e., loops 50 andstraps 44) to be placed on top of the panel 22 to form a stack of twopanels 22, 24. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the width orlength of the panels 22, 24 can be varied.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the width of theobject 20 can be varied by varying the length of the straps 44, therebyproviding a wider distance for adjusting the relative positions of thetwo panels 22, 24. In this regard, the object 20 is well-suited for useas a sunshield for an automobile windscreen, since the width of theobject 20 can be adjusted to fit a windscreen of virtually any width.However, as illustrated hereinbelow, the object 20 is not so limited inits application and utility, and has great utility for use in otherapplications.

[0056]FIG. 4 illustrates a modification that can be made to the object20 of FIG. 1. Instead of providing straps 44 that are permanentlyattached (e.g., by stitching) to the fabric material 34, the straps 44 ain FIG. 4 can have one end (e.g., outermost end 48) permanently attached(e.g., by stitching) to the fabric material 34, while the other end 46 ais free so that the two panels 22, 24 can be separated. The free end 46a can have a removable attachment mechanism (e.g., Velcro™, hooks, andthe like) provided thereat for engaging an opposing mechanism 46 b(e.g., the opposing Velcro™ pad, hook, or the like) provided on thefabric material 34. Each free end 46 a can be inserted through itscorresponding loop 50 a on panel 24, and then secured to the opposingmechanism 46 b. When secured, the straps 44 a and their correspondingloops 50 a operate in the same manner as illustrated in connection withFIG. 1. Loop 50 a can be the same as loop 50 of FIG. 1, or it can evenbe a shorter-length strap 50 a as shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] As a further alternative, both ends 46 and 48 of the straps 44can be free ends having removable attachment mechanisms providedthereat.

[0058] The object 20 can also be folded and collapsed into a compactconfiguration for storage, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D. First, onepanel (such as 24) is folded about the hinge defined by the adjustableattachment mechanisms (i.e., loops 50 and straps 44) to be placed on topof the other panel (such as 22) to form a stack of two panels 22, 24.Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, the opposite border 60 of the combined stackof panels 22, 24 is folded in (see arrow 62) to collapse the panels 22,24. As shown in FIG. 5B, the collapsing is continued so that the initialsize of the object 20 is reduced. FIG. 5C shows the next step, in whichthe panels 22, 24 are collapsed on each other to provide for a smallessentially compact configuration having a plurality of concentric framemembers 32 and layers of the fabric material 34 so that the collapsedobject 20 has a size which is a fraction of the size of the initialobject 20, as shown in FIG. 5D. Thus, the object 20 can be folded andstored very quickly using the steps illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D.

[0059] To re-open the object 20 to its expanded configuration, thecollapsed panels 22, 24 are unfolded. The memory (i.e., spring-load) ofthe frame members 32 will cause the frame members 32 to uncoil on theirown and quickly expand the panels 22, 24 to the expanded configurationshown in FIG. 1. One panel 22 or 24 can then be pivoted with respect tothe other panel 24 or 22 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0060] The above-described methods for folding and collapsing twoadjacent panels, and for re-opening these panels to deploy the structurefor use, can be applied to all the embodiments illustrated hereinbelow.

[0061]FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention,in which the principles of the present invention are utilized to provideadded utility to a collapsible structure 70. The collapsible structure70 has four panels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c and 72 d that are hingedly connectedtogether to form an enclosed space. The structure of each panel 72 a, 72b, 72 c and 72 d can be the same as the panels 22, 24 described above,and the panels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c and 72 d can be hingedly connectedtogether according to the structures and techniques illustrated inconnection with FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A and 2B of U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385(Zheng), entitled “Collapsible Play Structures”, which is co-owned bythe assignee of the present invention, and whose entire disclosure isincorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein. A pieceof fabric 74 may be stitched to the bottom sides of the panels 72 a, 72b, 72 c and 72 d to form a floor or base.

[0062] In addition to the four panels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c and 72 d, thestructure 70 also includes a top panel 76. Top panel 76 can have thesame structure as panel 24 of FIG. 1, in which a pair of loops 78 areprovided along a side edge 80 of the panel 76. A corresponding pair ofstraps 82 are provided on panel 72 b adjacent a top edge 84 thereof,with these straps 82 inserted through the loops 78 to create anadjustable attachment mechanism similar to that described above. Thus,as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 6, the top panel 76 can be used as alid to cover the top opening of the space defined by the four panels 72a, 72 b, 72 c and 72 d. The top panel 76 can also be pivoted or foldedabout the top edge 84 of the panel 72 b and then folded against thepanel 72 b, or slid downwardly along the straps 82 (as shown in FIG. 6).The structure 70 can be folded and collapsed, and re-opened, accordingto the principles set forth above and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385(Zheng). The structure 70 is especially well-suited for use as a playstructure where a child can climb into the structure 70, or as ahousehold container (such as a laundry hamper), or as a container forholding sporting goods (e.g., basketballs or baseballs), among otherapplications.

[0063]FIG. 7 illustrates two additional features that can be provided tothe structure 70. While the structure 70 was shown in FIG. 6 in use as acontainer or play structure, the structure 70 is shown in FIG. 7 in useas an amusement structure. In this regard, a basket 85 can be secured orotherwise attached to either the inner side or the outer side of thefabric of the top panel 76. In addition, locking mechanisms can beprovided along the side edges 81 and 83 of the panel 72 b to lock thepanel 76 at a predetermined vertical position. Specifically, when theloops 78 of the panel 76 have been slid to their lowest verticalposition adjacent the lower end of the straps 82, as shown in FIG. 7,the locking mechanisms can be deployed to secure the panel 76 in thisvertical position. In this position, the basket 85 will be positioned ata desired height to allow the panel 76 to be used as a backboard for aball-tossing amusement game, where balls can be tossed at the basket 85.One or more baskets 85 can be positioned on either side, or both sides,of the panel 76 to achieve the desired amusement effects.

[0064] Each locking mechanism can be a strap 86 having one end securedto a side edge 81 or 83 of panel 72 b, and an opposing end having firstconnection mechanism 87 (e.g., a Velcro™ pad, hook, or other similarconnection mechanism) attached thereto. An opposing Velcro™ pad, hook,or other similar connection mechanism 88 can be attached to anyconvenient location on the panel 76 for convenient engagement with thefirst connection mechanism 87. Similar locking mechanisms 89 can beprovided along the top edge 77 of the top panel 76 and the top edge 79of the panel 72 d to secure the top panel 76 to the top edges of thepanels 72 a-72 d. Thus, the structure 70 shown in FIG. 7 can be usedboth as an amusement structure and as a container.

[0065]FIG. 8 illustrates the structure 70 of FIGS. 6 and 7, but with anadditional panel 71 that is coupled or attached to the panel 72 a usingthe adjustable attachment mechanisms described above. In addition,locking mechanisms (such as straps 86 and connection mechanisms 87described above) can also be provided to secure the vertical position ofthe panel 71. The structure 70 illustrated in FIG. 8 allows the panel 71to be used as a top cover to the space enclosed by the panels 72 a-72 d,while the top panel 76 is being used as a backboard for an amusementgame. Thus, the structure 70 illustrated in FIG. 8 can be simultaneouslyused as both a container and an amusement game.

[0066] The structure 70 in FIG. 8 can be folded and collapsed by foldingthe panels 71 and 76 against the panels 72 a and 72 b, respectively,about the hinge defined by the adjustable attachment mechanisms betweenthese panels 71 and 72 a, and 76 and 72 b. The resulting structure 70will have four sides, defined by panels 71 and 72 a (as one side),panels 76 and 72 b (as one side), panel 72 c and panel 72, and can befolded and collapsed, and re-opened, according to the principles setforth above and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385 (Zheng).

[0067] The principles of the present invention can be further modifiedto allow the two adjacent panels to slide vertically and horizontallywith respect to each other. In FIG. 9A, two panels 90 and 92 areprovided. Panel 90 can be the same as panel 22 of FIG. 1, except thatonly one elongated strap 94 is provided on the fabric material adjacenta right side edge 96. Panel 92 can be similar to panel 24 of FIG. 1,except that, instead of loops, an elongated strap 98 (shown in phantom),which is adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the strap 94, can beprovided on the fabric material adjacent a left side edge 100. The twostraps 94, 98 can be the same (and even have the same length, ifdesired), and are intertwined within each other so that the panels 90,92 can be slid with respect to each other in both the vertical andhorizontal directions. In other words, each strap 94, 98 is partiallyretained inside the adjustment space of the other strap, and each strap94, 98 is slidable with respect to the other strap. For example, thepanel 90 can be held stationary and the panel 92 slid vertically up ordown (see arrow 102) with the strap 94 sliding within the space definedby the strap 98. This can also be achieved by holding panel 92stationary and sliding panel 90 vertically up or down (see arrow 102).As yet another alternative, both panels 90, 92 can be slidsimultaneously with respect to each other.

[0068] Similarly, the panel 92 can be held stationary and the panel 90slid horizontally left or right (see arrow 104) with the strap 98sliding within the space defined by the strap 94. This can also beachieved by holding panel 90 stationary and sliding panel 92horizontally left or right (see arrow 104). Also, as mentioned above,both panels 90, 92 can be slid simultaneously.

[0069]FIG. 9B illustrates a modification made to the panels 90 and 92 ofFIG. 9A, in which the positions of the straps 94 and 98 on the panels 90and 92, respectively, are changed. In FIG. 9B, the straps 94 a and 98 ahave been lowered into corners of the panels 90 a and 92 a,respectively, along the same side edges 96 a and 100 a, respectively.

[0070]FIG. 10 illustrates a simple modification to the object 20 of FIG.1, in which the strap 44 b is made longer, and to define a greater slackor adjustment space between its ends 46 and 48. Thus, the width of theobject 20 can be even increased beyond the maximum width illustrated inFIG. 3A. In FIG. 10, a gap or space 52 will be defined between the rightside edge 26 c of panel 22 and the left side edge 26 a of panel 24 whenthe panels 22 and 24 are stretched apart to attain their maximum width.

[0071] In addition to the modifications described above, it is possibleto provide all the straps 44 a and 50 a in FIG. 4, 82 in FIGS. 6-8, and94 and 98 in FIGS. 9A and 9B, with at least one free end. The lengths ofthe straps in the various embodiments can also be varied. In addition,the object can include more than two panels, with each panel coupled toother panels by adjustable attachment mechanisms or other attachmentmechanisms.

[0072] Yet other features may be provided to the object 20. For example,referring back to FIG. 1, toggles 54 can be provided on the panel 22 andadapted to fit inside receiving loops 56 on the panel 24 to maintain therelative positions of the two panels 22, 24. Two or more sets ofreceiving loops 56 a and 56 b can be provided on the panel 24. Dependingon the desired overall width of the object 20 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), thetoggles 54 can be inserted into one or the other of the two sets ofreceiving loops 56 a and 56 b to secure the panels 22, 24 at theirdesired relative positions.

[0073] As a further example, the loops 50 and straps 44 in FIG. 1 can beomitted and replaced by elongated openings or holes provided in thefabric material 34 of panels 22, 24 adjacent the right side edge 26 cand left side edge 26 a of panels 22 and 24, respectively. This isillustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 11A and 11B, where, in thestructure 20 x, each strap 44 is replaced by a pair of generallyparallel elongated openings or slits 43 that are created by cutting fromthe fabric 34 x of the panel 22 x, and each loop 50 is replaced by anopening 51 that is created by cutting from the fabric 34 x of the panel24 x.

[0074] The panels 22 x, 24 x may be assembled in the following manner.First, the slits 43 are cut in the fabric 34 x of the panel 22 x. Theregion (such as 45) adjacent one end of a pair of slits 43 is cut sothat the fabric between the pair of slits 43 becomes a strip 47 offabric having a free end thereat. The free end of the strip 47 is thenpassed through the corresponding opening 51, and then the region 45stitched or otherwise re-attached to the fabric 34 x to secure the strip47 within the opening 51, as shown in FIG. 11B. When so secured, theopening 51 and the side edge 26 a of the panel 24 x can slide along theslits 43 within the length defined by the two ends of the strip 47. Thiscan be done to attach all corresponding openings 51 and pairs of slits43.

[0075] The openings 51 can be provided adjacent the left side edge 26 aof the panel 24 x, and the slits 43 can be cut from adjacent the rightside edge 26 c of the panel 22 x, extending generally parallel relativeto the top and bottom side edges 26 d and 26 b. The width of the strip47 is preferably smaller than the size of the opening 51. Thus, thestructure 20 x operates in a similar manner as the structure 20, withthe opening 51 sliding along the path or track created by thecorresponding pair of slits 43 to adjust the position of the panels 22x, 24 x relative to each other. In this regard, the slits 43, and inparticular the length of the slits 43 (the length of the slits 43 beingdefined by their opposing ends), define an adjustment space for slidingthe opening 51 and side edge 26 a of the panel 24 x. The side edge 26 aof the panel 24 x can be made up of the frame retaining sleeve 30 andframe member 32 of the panel 24 x.

[0076]FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a structure 20 y that reflects asimple modification of the structure 20 x in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The twopairs of slits 43 and openings 51 in structure 20 x are replaced instructure 20 y by one pair of slits 43 y and one elongated opening 51 y.Specifically, the panel 22 y has one pair of slits 43 y that are spacedfurther apart from each other than the slits 43 in panel 22 x, and thepanel 24 y has one elongated opening 51 y that extends along a length orportion of the side edge 26 a. The panels 22 y, 24 y may be assembled inthe same manner as panels 22 x, 24 x of structure 20 x. First, the slits43 y are cut in the fabric 34 y of the panel 22 y so that the fabricbetween the pair of slits 43 y becomes a strip 47 y of fabric having afree end thereat. The free end of the strip 47 y is then passed throughthe opening 51 y, and then the free end stitched or otherwisere-attached to the fabric 34 y to secure the strip 47 y within theopening 51 y, as shown in FIG. 12B. When so secured, the opening 51 yand the side edge 26 a of the panel 24 y can slide along the slits 43 ywithin the length defined by the two ends of the strip 47 y. Thestructure 20 y operates in the same manner as the structure 20 x, withthe opening 51 y sliding along the path or track created by thecorresponding pair of slits 43 y to adjust the position of the panels 22y, 24 y relative to each other. In this regard, the length of the slits43 y (the length of the slits 43 y being defined by their opposing ends)define an adjustment space for sliding the opening 51 y and side edge 26a of the panel 24 y.

[0077]FIG. 13 illustrates another structure 20 z that reflects furthermodifications of the structure 20 y in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Like structure20 y, the structure 20 z has a pair of parallel horizontal slits orelongated openings 43 z in panel 22 z. However, instead of the elongatedopening 51 y, the panel 24 z is provided with a strap 51 z. The strap 51z has a first end 49 a that is attached to any location of the fabric 34z of panel 24 z, and a second end 49 b that can be passed through bothopenings 43 z and attached to another location of the fabric 34 z ofpanel 24 z spaced-apart from the location of the first end 49 a. Thus,the structure 20 z operates in the same manner as the structure 20 y,with the strap 51 z sliding along the path or track created by thecorresponding pair of openings 43 z to adjust the position of the panels22 z, 24 z relative to each other. In this regard, the length of thepair of openings 43 z define an adjustment space for sliding the strap51 z of the panel 24 z.

[0078] As indicated by the arrow 53 in FIGS. 12B and 13, one panel (22or 24) may be folded onto the other panel about the hinged connectionformed by the openings 43 y or 43 z and corresponding opening 51 y orstrap 51 z.

[0079] The adjustable attachment mechanisms can also be embodied in awide variety of other ways, as illustrated in the following embodiments.For example, the structure 150 in FIG. 14A uses a sleeve as anadjustable attachment mechanism. Referring to FIG. 14A, two panels 152and 154 are provided. Panel 152 can be essentially the same as panel 22of FIG. 1, except that the straps 44 are not provided, but instead, avertical elongated opening 156 is provided that extends along a lengthor portion of the right side edge 26 c. Similarly, panel 154 can beessentially the same as panel 24 of FIG. 1, except that the loops 50 arenot provided, but instead, a vertical elongated opening 158 is providedthat extends along a length or portion of the left side edge 26 a. Aretaining sleeve 160 extends through the openings 156 and 158 to couplethe panels 152, 154 together (see also FIG. 14B). The sleeve 160 can beprovided in the form of a piece of fabric material having two ends, withone end of the fabric inserted through the openings 156, 158 and thenstitched to the other end to form an enclosed sleeve. The sleeve 160 canhave a length that is less than the length of the openings 156, 158 sothat the two panels 152, 154 can be slid in opposing directions (seearrows 162, 164) to adjust the relative vertical positions of the twopanels 152, 154.

[0080] As another example, the structure 150 x in FIG. 15A uses one ormore rings as adjustable attachment mechanisms. Referring to FIG. 15A,two panels 152 x and 154 x are provided. Panel 152 x can be essentiallythe same as panel 152 of FIG. 14A, except that two openings 156 x areprovided (instead of the elongated opening 156) in a spaced apart manneralong a length or portion of the right side edge 26 c. Similarly, panel154 x can be essentially the same as panel 154 of FIG. 14A, except thattwo openings 158 x are provided (instead of the elongated opening 158)in a spaced apart manner along a length of the left side edge 26 a. Aring 160 x can be provided to extend through each corresponding pair ofopenings 156 x and 158 x to couple the panels 152 x, 154 x together. Asnon-limiting examples (see FIGS. 15B and 15C), the rings 160 x can beprovided in the form of a resilient key ring having (1) a small opening161 (in FIG. 15B) between both ends of the key ring to allow the sideedges 26 a and 26 c of the panels 152 x, 154 x to be slid therethrough,or (2) overlapping resilient portions 163 and 165 similar to the keyrings found on conventional key chains. The openings 156 x, 158 x aresubstantially larger than the thickness of the rings 160 x so that thetwo panels 152 x, 154 x can be slid in opposing directions (see arrows162 x, 164 x) to adjust the relative vertical positions of the twopanels 152 x, 154 x.

[0081] As indicated by the arrows 166 in FIGS. 14A and 15A, one panel(150 or 152) may be folded onto the other panel about the hingedconnection formed by the sleeve 160 or rings 160 x, and thecorresponding openings 156, 158.

[0082] As yet another example, the structure 200 in FIGS. 16A and 16Buses a removable or detachable piece of material (also known as a“connector”) as the adjustable attachment mechanism. Two panels 202 and204 are provided. Panel 202 can be essentially the same as panel 22 ofFIG. 1, except that the panel 202 can have one or more detachableattachment devices 206 provided on its fabric 208 instead of a pluralityof straps 44. Similarly, panel 204 can be essentially the same as panel24 of FIG. 1, except that the panel 204 can have one or morecorresponding detachable attachment devices 210 provided on its fabric208 instead of a plurality of loops 50. The detachable attachmentdevices 206, 210 can be provided anywhere on panels 202 and 204 in apermanent (e.g., by stitching, gluing, etc.) or nonpermanent (e.g.,using a sticky pad) manner, and can be any conventional detachableattachment device, such as snaps, hooks or VELCRO™ tabs, among others.For example, if the fabric 208 has a rough texture, such as wool, linenor is a meshed material, then a VELCRO™ tab can be easily adheredthereto. A removable or detachable piece of material 212 or connector isused to hingedly couple the panels 202, 204 together. The connector 212can be a piece of fabric or one or more straps. In this regard,detachable attachment devices 214 can be provided along one or bothopposing edges 216, 218 of the connector 212, and are adapted to engagethe corresponding detachable attachment mechanisms 206, 210 on panels202 and 204. If the detachable attachment device 214 is provided onlyalong one edge, such as 216, then the other edge 218 can be permanentlyattached (e.g., by stitching) to the fabric 208 of the panel 202, sothat the detachable attachment device 206 can be omitted. FIG. 16Aillustrates the connector 212 having one edge 216 detached from thepanel 204, while FIG. 16B illustrates the same connector 212 connectingboth panels 202, 204 together.

[0083] Thus, the connector 212 can be detached and removed from one orboth panels 202, 204. More importantly, the configuration of thestructure 200 can be adjusted by causing the detachable attachmentdevice(s) 214 to engage the corresponding detachable attachment devices206, 210 at different positions. For example, if it is desired toposition the panel 204 at a lower vertical direction (see direction ofarrow 220) than panel 202, the panel 204 can be positioned at thedesired lower vertical position, and then the detachable attachmentdevice 214 along edge 216 of the connector 212 is engaged withdetachable attachment device 210 to secure the panels 202 and 204 at thedesired relative positions. Only a part of the length of the detachableattachment device 214 along edge 216 of the connector 212 will engage apart of the length of the detachable attachment device 210 because ofthe vertically offset nature of panel 204 with respect to connector 212.It is also possible to cause only a part of the length of the detachableattachment device 214 along edge 218 of the connector 212 to engage apart of the length of the detachable attachment device 206 on panel 202,so that the connector 212 will be offset from both panels 202, 204.

[0084] Therefore, by positioning the detachable attachment devices 206,210 at different locations on panels 202, 204, the configuration of thestructure 200 can be varied. This is further illustrated in FIGS. 16Dand 18 below. In addition, the configuration of the structure 200 can befurther varied by adjusting the engagement of the detachable attachmentdevices 206, 210, 214 as described above. The width of the connector 212can be varied depending on the amount or degree of adjustment desired.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 16B, the connector 212 is attached to the samesurface 222 (e.g., a first or interior or exterior surface) of bothpanels 202, 204. However, as shown in FIG. 16C, the opposing edges 218and 216 of connector 212 can be attached to a first surface 222 of panel202 and a second surface 224 of panel 204, respectively. This allows thewidth of structure 200 to be adjusted differently. For example, thepanels 202, 204 in FIG. 16C can be positioned towards each other in thedirections indicated by arrows 226, 228 so that a portion of the rightside 230 of panel 202 overlaps a portion of the left side 232 of panel204, with the connector 212 collapsed flat and sandwiched between theoverlapping portions of the panels 202, 204. On the other hand, such anoverlapping configuration is less convenient and desirable in FIGS. 16Aand 16B since the connector 212 cannot be sandwiched or retained betweenthe overlapping portions of the panels 202, 204, but would instead be“floating” above the first surface 222 of panels 202, 204. In thisregard, the configuration shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, with the connector212 attached to the same side of both panels 202, 204, is better suitedfor certain applications (e.g., extending the width of structure 200, orfor forming angled walls, as illustrated below), while the configurationshown in FIG. 16C, with the connector 212 attached to the differentsides 222, 224 of both panels 202, 204, is better suited for otherapplications (e.g., shortening the width of structure 200).

[0086] Thus, the width of the structure 200 is greatest when theconnector 212 is stretched to its greatest width, and the width of thestructure 200 is smallest when the panels 202, 204 overlap each otherwith the connector 212 retained between the overlapping panels 202, 204.

[0087]FIG. 16D illustrates the opposing edges 216 and 218 of theconnector 212 positioned at about the center of both panels 202, 204.When so configured, the structure 200 can be used as a partition, withconnector 212 acting as a wall or divider. In addition, one of thepanels 204 can be adjusted in either of the directions indicated byarrows 226, 228 to change the angle of the connector 212, and theposition of the panels 202, 204 with respect to each other. In thisembodiment, the connector 212 may be provided with a greater width if awider divider or wall is desired.

[0088] The principles illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16D can be utilized toprovide added utility to a collapsible structure 240, as illustrated inFIGS. 17A-17C. The collapsible structure 240 can be made up of fourpanels 242, 244, 246, 248, each configured as panels 202, 204, with eachpanel 242, 244, 246 or 248 coupled by connectors 250 in the same mannerillustrated in FIGS. 16A-16D. Connectors 250 can be made from the samematerials as connector 212. As shown in FIG. 17A, a four-sided structure240 is formed by applying the connectors 250 to the interior surfaces orsides of the panels 242, 244, 246, 248, so that the connectors 250 arenot visible from the exterior. As an alternative, FIG. 17B illustrates afour-sided structure 240 formed by applying the connectors 250 to theexterior surfaces or sides of the panels 242, 244, 246, 248.

[0089] The structure 240 can be folded and collapsed using the sameprinciples illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385 for similar four-sidedenclosing structures. Alternatively, at least one of the connectors 250can be detached to separate two panels, such as 242 and 248, and thenthe four panels 242, 244, 246, 248 folded one on top of each other tocreate a stack of four panels that are folded and collapsed according toFIGS. 5A-5D above. As a further alternative, all the connectors 250 canbe detached to separate all the panels 242, 244, 246, 248, and then thefour separated panels 242, 244, 246, 248 can be placed one on top ofeach other to create a stack of four panels that are folded andcollapsed according to FIGS. 5A-5D above.

[0090]FIG. 17C illustrates a modification to the structure 240, whereinstead of using a single connector 250 to couple two adjacent panels, aplurality of connectors 250 a is used to couple two adjacent panels.Even though FIG. 17C illustrates the connectors 250 a applied to theinterior surfaces or sides of the panels 242, 244, 246, 248, it is alsopossible to apply the connectors 250 to the exterior surfaces or sidesof the panels 242, 244, 246, 248. Each of these connectors 250 a cantherefore be provided with corresponding detachable attachment devices,and each panel 242, 244, 246, 248 can also have its correspondingdetachable attachment devices for engagement with the detachableattachment devices of the connectors 250 a. Alternatively, detachableattachment devices are not needed at the edges of connectors 250 a thatare permanently attached to a corresponding panel.

[0091] The structure 240 x in FIG. 18 borrows from the principlesillustrated in FIG. 16D, where the connectors are positioned at aboutthe center of the panels 242 x, 244 x, 246 x, 248 x. Here, twoconnectors 252 and 254 are provided and disposed perpendicular to eachother in a “+” configuration. Connectors 252, 254 can be made from thesame materials as connector 212. Each connector 252 and 254 can becomprised of two pieces of material, so that the center of inner edgesof the four total pieces can be attached (e.g., by stitching 256) at thecenter so that the connectors 252, 254 essentially intersect each other.The outer edges (e.g., 258) of each connector piece can either bepermanently or non-permanently (i.e., using detachable attachmentdevices) attached to the fabric of one panel 242 x, 244 x, 246 x or 248x. Alternatively, one connector (e.g., 252) can be provided as one pieceof material, with the other connector (e.g., 254) provided in two piecesof material with the center edges of the two pieces stitched to the onepiece of connector 252. Thus, the connectors 252, 254 can function asdividers or walls inside the enclosed space defined by the panels 242 x,244 x, 246 x, 248 x. Openings 260 can be provided in one or more of theconnectors 252, 254 to allow passage from one interior space to another.

[0092] The structure 240 x can be folded and collapsed by detaching atleast one edge 258 of one of the connectors 252 or 254, and then placingthe four panels 242 x, 244 x, 246 x, 248 x one on top of each other(with the connectors 252, 254 tucked between any two panels) to create astack of four panels that are folded and collapsed according to FIGS.5A-5D above.

[0093] The structure 240 y of FIG. 19 borrows from the principlesillustrated in FIG. 17C, where the connectors now take the form ofcorner pieces 250 y that can be made from the same materials asconnector 212. Each corner piece 250 y can be provided in a generallytriangular shape, although any other shape can be used. One side 268 ofthe corner piece 250 y can be permanently (e.g., by stitching) ornon-permanently (i.e., using detachable attachment devices) attached tothe fabric of one panel (such as 246 y) while another side 270 of thesame corner piece 250 y can be permanently or non-permanently attachedto the fabric of an adjacent panel (such as 244 y). One or more cornerpieces 250 y can be used to couple two adjacent panels 242 y, 244 y, 246y, 248 y. The piece of material that makes up the corner piece 250 y canbe disposed generally perpendicular to the panels.

[0094] Thus, the present invention provides collapsible objects andstructures having at least two panels that have interacting andcorresponding adjustable attachment mechanisms that function both tocouple the panels to each other, and to allow relative positions of thepanels to be adjusted to change the size and configuration of the objector structure. This increases the number of applications in which thecollapsible objects and structures can be used, and adds to the fun andvariety of these objects and structures.

[0095] While the description above refers to particular embodiments ofthe present invention, it will be understood that many modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanyingclaims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within thetrue scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An object, comprising: a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member; and a connector that couples the first and second panels in a manner that allows the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted.
 2. The object of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels each further includes: a side edge; an opening provided along the side edge; and wherein the connector is fitted through the openings of the first and second panels.
 3. The object of claim 2, wherein the connector is a sleeve that encloses portions of the side edges of the first and second panels.
 4. The object of claim 2, wherein the connector is a ring that grips the side edges of the first and second panels.
 5. The object of claim 1, wherein the connector is a piece of material having first and second edges, with the first edge of the connector attached to the first panel, and the second edge of the connector attached to the second panel.
 6. The object of claim 5, wherein the first edge of the connector is detachably attached to the first panel.
 7. The object of claim 6, wherein the second edge of the connector is detachably attached to the second panel.
 8. The object of claim 5, wherein the first and second panels each has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the first edge of the connector is attached to the first surface of the first panel, and the second edge of the connector is attached to the first surface of the second panel.
 9. The object of claim 5, wherein the first and second panels each has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the first edge of the connector is attached to the first surface of the first panel, and the second edge of the connector is attached to the second surface of the second panel.
 10. The object of claim 1, wherein the object has a width, and wherein the width of the object is greatest when the connector is stretched to its greatest width, and the width of the object is smallest when the panels overlap each other with the connector retained between the overlapping panels.
 11. The object of claim 1, further including a third panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its frame member; and a second connector that couples the first and third panels in a manner that allows the relative positions of the first and third panels to be adjusted.
 12. The object of claim 11, further including a fourth panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its frame member; a third connector that couples the third and fourth panels in a manner that allows the relative positions of the third and fourth panels to be adjusted; and a fourth connector that couples the second and fourth panels in a manner that allows the relative positions of the second and fourth panels to be adjusted.
 13. The object of claim 11, wherein the connectors are corner pieces.
 14. The object of claim 1, wherein the connector is attached to the center of the first and second panels.
 15. The object of claim 1, further including a third panel and a fourth panel, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member; wherein the connector is attached to about the center of the first and second panels; and further including a second connector attached to about the center of the third and fourth panels.
 16. The object of claim 15, wherein the two connectors intersect.
 17. The object of claim 1, wherein each panel further includes a frame retaining sleeve provided along the fabric for retaining the respective frame member.
 18. The object of claim 1, wherein the first panel has two openings provided spaced-apart from each other, and wherein the connector has a first end that is coupled to the second panel at a first location, and a second end that is inserted through the two openings of the first panel and is coupled to the second panel at a second location spaced apart from the first location.
 19. The object of claim 1, wherein each frame member is collapsible to the folded position by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric rings and layers of material to substantially reduce the size of each corresponding panel in the folded position.
 20. A method of adjusting a dimension of an object, the object having a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member, comprising: a. providing a connector that couples the first and second panels; and b. adjusting the relative positions of the first and second panels about the connector. 